Apr 22, 2003 12:15 PM
3579 Views
(Updated Apr 22, 2003 10:21 PM)
Hello Friends. While attending an exhibition in Mumbai in January earlier this year, I came across a stall of a company , publishing a magazine called The Franchising World. They claim that it is ''India's First Franchising Magazine''.
The magazine seemed to be interesting, covering various aspects of franchising business, franchising opportunities etc. I paid four hundred rupees as a subscription ( I think it was for a year). I just noticed that in the receipt they have not mentioned either the period of subscription or the number of issues which I would be getting. Even though their receipt reads as follows '' Received with thanks Rs.____ from ____ in account of subscription of _____ issues of The Franchising World starting from ____ in form of Cash/Cheque/DD no._____ branch ____ favouring The Franchising World''. I remember, checking with the person whom I paid for the subscription, humorously, whether I would really receive the copies !!! or would I have to chase later on. Well as expected, that person said, surely I would receive my copies on time.
Anyway,thereafter I got busy travelling, fairs, and host of other things. And I forgot about the magazine, and my subscription. While looking for some documents, I came across the same receipt and I was surprised that my subscribed copies haven't yet come in. I think this was sometime in March. I immediately called up the company's office in Panchkula, Haryana. I remember, when I called, the subscription manager was not around to help me out, so I left a message with the person whom I spoke to. I gave him all the details, viz.receipt date, no,my name, and contact numbers. I asked him to pass on the message to the concerned person. One week passed and no calls, mail or fax. Well this isn't anything new !!!!!!! So, on April 3,2003, I sent a mail to the company, informing them on the matter concerned and asking for a reply in a weeks time. Well , well, its April 16, 2003, and I am yet to hear anything from these people or even get a single copy of the magazine subscribed for !!!!! I don't think, I will recommend anyone to subscribe to this magazine. If the magazine is really good, it will be better to pay for the same and buy off the shelve, rather than trying to save something by subscribing. The intentions of the company might not be wrong, however it surely shows its poor customer service. Unless our Indian companies improve on their customer service , we will surely be taken over by competitors who care for their customers. Thanks A.B
Friends, as I was about to upload this review, I just received a mail from these guys, The Franchising World. Well, reply came almost after thirteen days , even when the mail clearly said I wanted a reply in ten days. Now hear what do they have to say. According to the mail, sent by one of their ''Executive'', we have been included in the subscription list, informed on our subscription number and that magazine has been sent by post, Further, I have been asked to speak to our local postman !!!!!!!!! And then, the mail also says,'' As a gesture of goodwill we are sending you the current issue. '' What a gesture !!!!!!!!! These people don't bother to reply to phone calls, not reply to mail within time and asking me to check with the postman !!!!! I receive all my magazines, Indian & foreign, but not The Franchising World !!!!!! Mistakes can happen, magazines can get lost, but one cannot be so poor in customer service.
